Batsman parries claims

Australian, The – Handscomb speaks up over ball-tampering controversy to clear name

TEST batsman Peter Handscomb has declared he had nothing to do with convicted ball-tamperer Cameron Bancroft hiding sandpaper down his pants in South Africa in March and clarified events surrounding his walkie-talkie conversation with then coach Darren Lehmann.

Summary

Handscomb speaks up over ball-tampering controversy to clear nameTEST batsman Peter Handscomb has declared he had nothing to do with convicted ball-tamperer Cameron Bancroft hiding sandpaper down his pants in South Africa in March and clarified events surrounding his walkie-talkie conversation with then coach Darren Lehmann.

Bancroft was banned for nine months by Cricket Australia after admitting to taking sandpaper on the ground in the third Test in Cape Town after a lunchtime plan was hatched by David Warner and Steve Smith, who both copped one-year suspensions.

The plan came unstuck when TV cameras at the ground filmed Bancroft with the sandpaper, and then captured him putting it down his pants before he was confronted by the umpires.

Lehmann was seen sending a message to Handscomb, the 12th man, via a walkie-talkie, after which Handscomb went on to the ground and spoke to Bancroft.

A CA investigation also cleared Lehmann of having any knowledge of what was happening, or claims the coach told Bancroft to hide the evidence.